Page 6 - MidWeek - June 8, 2022

6 MIDWEEK JUNE 8, 2022
A ll it took was one remark by a foster child to a judge to change the way our children
Project Visitation is seeking volunteers to pick up and supervise sibling groups, especially in ‘Ewa Beach, Wai‘anae, Wahiawā, Waimānalo and on the North Shore.
More Volunteers Needed For Sibling Connection
By Alana Anderson, director of development of Family Programs of Hawai‘i
in Hawai‘i are cared for. Wounded by unfulfilled promises that she would be able to see her siblings that she hadn’t seen in years, the girl said, “If I can’t believe in a judge, then there’s nothing I
siblings) are giggling in the back seat, everyone hugging each other and when they thank me,” says Robin Metcalf, who has been a Project Visitation volunteer for four years.
In 2021, sibling groups ben- efited from Project Visitation’s 100 online visits, five online events and the organization’s annual in-person holiday party.
Consider sponsoring food or an event. Additional dona- tions, including gas gift cards for the volunteers, as well as tickets to places to go (such as the zoo, museums or movies) can also be made.
“The most memorable moments for me are when (the siblings) are giggling in the backseat, everyone hugging each other and when they thank me.”
can believe in.”
That Hawai‘i judge, R.
Volunteers at Project Visitation’s recent event at Ho‘omaluhia Botanical Garden.
PHOTO COURTESY PROJECT VISITATION
Human Services and O‘ahu First Circuit Family Court, Project Visitation was creat- ed in 2001 with seven volun- teers from Wai‘anae to help siblings get together often.
Mark Browning, took it to heart. He saw that the system was failing separated foster siblings and creating long- term repercussions for them.
falls under Family Programs Hawai‘i. The organization has had a positive impact on thousands of separated sib- lings over the years.
Another volunteer, Rex Young, enjoys bringing the siblings to church and helping them with their spiritual health.
In March, Project Visitation held its spring in-person event at Ho‘omaluhia Botanical Garden. Highlights included kids running in relay races, painting Easter eggs and feed- ing ducks in the pond.
To learn more about Project Visitation, contact me at 808- 540-2534, or email alana@ familyprogramshawaii.org or visit familyprogramshawaii. org/program/project-visita- tion.
Led by Browning and in cooperation with the Ha- wai‘i state Department of
Now, Project Visitation
“The most memorable mo- ments for me are when (the
“I try to be a champion for those kids,” he says.
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